Harold Duane Griffin, affectionately known to his family and friends as “Griff,” passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, at the age of 81 in Carrollton, Missouri. Duane was born on December 5, 1944, in Chillicothe, Missouri, to Mary Lou Shull Griffin and Raymond Gayel Griffin. He was raised on the Griffin family farm north of Carrollton, where he developed the strong work ethic, integrity, and love for his community that would define his life. Carrollton remained his home throughout his entire life. A 1962 graduate of Carrollton High School, Duane married his high school sweetheart, Sandy Peel. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and community, raising three children: Debbie, Randy, and Robyn. Duane began his career as an auto and farm equipment mechanic before becoming a car salesman. His entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to partner with Jim Blevins in a startup construction company specializing in setting telephone poles. He later founded H.D. Griffin Construction Company in 1971, building what would become a highly respected pipeline construction business. Roger Schnare and Charlie Rodenberg later joined as partners, helping grow the company into a successful enterprise. Griff earned the admiration of employees, customers, and colleagues alike through his unwavering integrity, strong leadership, generous spirit, and willingness to mentor others. After many successful years in the pipeline construction industry, he retired in 2009.Family was the greatest joy of Duane’s life. He was a devoted husband, proud father, and loving grandfather who treasured every opportunity to support his grandchildren by attending their sporting events, school activities, and life’s milestones. His encouragement, wisdom, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on each of them. Retirement brought new adventures for Duane and Sandy. They enjoyed wintering in Arizona, traveling with family, attending car shows, and creating cherished memories at family gatherings. One of Griff’s favorite places in the world was the golf course, especially the Carrollton Country Club. He also loved traveling with his golf buddies to tournaments across the country. His golfing claim to fame was the remarkable achievement of recording three holes-in-one, a feat he was proud of but rarely boasted about. Whether on the golf course or around a card table with friends, Duane treasured the fellowship as much as the competition. Duane deeply loved Carrollton and believed in investing in the community that had given him so much. He generously gave of his time and talents by serving on numerous civic and church boards. He was instrumental in helping establish the Carroll County Area YMCA and Continental Fabrication Shop, leaving a legacy that will continue to benefit generations to come. Duane is survived by his beloved wife of many years, Sandy Griffin, of the home; his children, Debbie Griffin and husband Bill Bernau of Des Moines, Randy Griffin and wife Shelda of Kansas City, and Robyn Creason and husband Todd of Carrollton; his grandchildren, Kelsie Smithpeter, Caitlyn Houck, Camron Roath, Jordan Creason, Nicole Griffin, and Natalie Charlson; and his great-grandchildren, Levi McIlvain, Lane McIlvain, Griffin Richardson, Graceson Richardon, and Andrew Charlson. He is also survived by his sisters, Karen Bittiker (John) and Cheryl Rau, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Lou and Raymond Gayel Griffin; his brother, Dwight Griffin; and his sister-in-law, Marilyn Griffin. A Celebration of Life will be held at First Christian Church, 205 North Folger Street, Carrollton, Missouri, on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Following the service, a golf cart procession will accompany Duane to his final resting place at Carroll Memorial Gardens, 807 West 13th Street, Carrollton. In honor of Duane’s love for golf and his favorite annual tournament-the Member/Guest Tournament-family and friends are invited to gather for an informal Happy Hour at the Carrollton Country Club on Friday, July 31, at 6:00 p.m., to celebrate a life well lived and to share stories of Griff. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of Carrollton or the Carroll County Area YMCA.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
